No Holds Barred in Massillon

The fireworks at tonight's Candidates Forum at the Lions Lincoln Theatre didn't just come from the candidates for mayor.

Rumor on the street is that Cicchinelli Loyalist Thomas Rivera assaulted Council President candidate Scott Graber in front of the theatre, during the event.

Rivera, a well known Cicchinelli supporter, signed an endorsement letter for the mayor that was mailed to Massillon Democrats just a few days ago.

Goodness.

We knew some members of the Cicchinelli camp resorted to no holds barred political tactics, but this is a bit much.

Passions are running at a fever pitch in the run up to the big Democratic Primary.

It is one thing to argue in favor of your candidate, but in America it is unacceptable to resort to physical violence to make a political point.

Our nation was built upon a foundation of free speech and political freedom.

People shouldn't be assaulted because they don't support your candidate.

There is absolutely no place for this behavior in our city.

None.